Southampton Town police have arrested Riverside resident James Christian Licausi, 43, and charged him with robbery in the third degree, a felony, after an alleged incident during which the suspect his wallet.
According to police, on Sept. 1 at approximately 5:50 a.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery that took place on Vail Avenue in Riverside.
Police say Licausi, who was riding a bicycle, stopped a man walking on Vail Avenue and asked him for the time. While the victim was checking the time, Licausi allegedly struck him in the face and then grabbed his wallet, which contained $130 in cash.
When the victim attempted to hold on to his wallet, Licausi allegedly bit him in the arm until he let go from the pain.
After stealing the proceeds, the suspect allegedly fled the area on his bicycle. Police conducted a search of the neighborhood but were unable to locate him. The victim suffered minor injuries.
Detectives developed a suspect and Licausi was subsequently identified as the robber; he was arrested on Sept. 2 at 5:18 p.m. at the New York State police headquarters in Riverside and charged with robbery in the third degree, a felony, and transported to Southampton Town police headquarters.
